Great Bear Rainforest
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Grizzly Bear Viewing in the
Khutzeymateen Valley, Central BC Coast
3 Nights / 4 Days
Canada’s Only Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
The Khutzeymateen is a 39,000-hectare valley lying 40 kilometers
(25 miles) northeast of Prince Rupert on the British Columbia
coast. It supports a robust ancient trilogy of grizzly bears,
spawning salmon, and mammoth Sitka spruce trees. In 1992, after
years of effort by several individuals and organizations, such
as the Valhalla Society, the Khutzeymateen Valley was declared
Canada’s first Grizzly Bear Sanctuary by the BC government.
 This
area is home to an estimated 40 – 60 grizzlies who depend
on the rich valley for their existence, with its dense rainforest,
river mouth estuary, and open fjord. It also attracts wolves,
migrating geese, ducks, harbour seals, beavers, wolves, and otters,
as well as orca and humpback whales. The watershed also supports
over 100 species of birds including owls, grouse, shore birds,
hummingbirds, swifts, woodpeckers, and kingfishers. Uninhabited
by humans, there are no roads, villages or campsites, making this
valley pure wilderness and the perfect habitat for the grizzly
bear. To explore this magnificent valley, we will use an Ocean
71 ketch, the ‘Ocean Light II’, as our base, and then
travel by motorized inflatable to the estuary to safely observe
and photograph these mighty animals.
Grizzly Bears
The name conjures up images of a huge powerful beast, signifying
wild lands and freedom. Being highly intelligent and curious mammals,
grizzly bears selectively feed on various high protein plants
such as green sedge grasses, lupine roots, and the broad leaves
of skunk cabbage, all of which the valley has an abundance to
offer. The grizzly bear defines wilderness for us. The bears represent
the wild side of our nature and how things used to be. Although
the Grizzly can be dangerous and unpredictable, the Khutzeymateen
Grizzly is teaching us that they have been misrepresented. They
are intelligent and show many human characteristics.
This is our tenth year in the Khutzeymateen and our knowledge
and understanding continues to grow. With the help of environmental
groups such as the Valhalla Society, the grizzly bears and their
habitat - the Khutzeymateen Valley – are protected from
dangers caused by increasing numbers of tourists, as currently
there is no infrastructure to make this area easily accessible
to tourists. Tom Ellison and his vessel, the ‘Ocean Light
II’ are approved by the BC government to guide tours in
the region.
What’s involved?
Your time aboard the ‘Ocean Light II’ is designed
to give you access to some of the best grizzly bear viewing in
the world. You will use the ‘Ocean Light II’ as a
base for eating and sleeping with the remainder of your time spent
outside watching and photographing the grizzlies and other wildlife
in this incredibly rich habitat. Days are filled to capacity as
daylight lasts until approximately 11pm. There are no fitness
requirements for this particular expedition, however a good level
of fitness and agility will always make your trip more enjoyable.
Your Guides
Tom Ellison will be your guide/skipper on this trip. Tom, owner
and skipper of ‘Ocean Light II’ has 30 years of coastal
sailing experience during which time he developed the Khutzeymateen
program. He has introduced the coast of B.C. to thousands of people,
young and old, in his unique way of providing you the opportunity
for self-discovery. Tom continually contributes a tremendous amount
to the conservation of our endangered wilderness. Assisting Tom
as crew, guide and cook is Jenn Broom, who will work endless hours
to make your trip enjoyable and memorable.
The Boat
The ‘Ocean Light II’ is an Ocean 71’ ketch
and is thought by many to be the perfect BC Coast charter yacht.
With fourteen Atlantic crossings, the Ocean Light II has the pedigree
and comfort to make any sailing experience with her one to remember.
It has a spacious, well-maintained interior of enamel, and Douglas
Fir with varnished mahogany trim. The layout offers 5 separate
guest cabins that are closed off from the rest of the yacht. A
berth will be assigned to each person upon arrival. There are
two heads with shower and a newly remodelled galley. The main
salon located below deck is a spacious 14’ x 17’,
which seats twelve comfortably while still leaving space to move
about freely. There is ample deck space and she is very comfortable
under sail. Ocean Light II features all of the extras expected:
two hard bottom inflatables, two canoes and three kayaks as well
as an extensive library for your enjoyment.
Meals
We take special care in preparing nutritious and delicious meals
for all of our trips. All meals will be aboard the sailboat and
will include fresh seafood including halibut, and crab when available.
Homemade soups, bread and salads will compliment many meals. Trip
participants have the option to assist the guides in food gathering
and preparation. If you have any dietary restrictions, please
let us know well in advance.
Safety
Your safety while participating in this expedition is of our
prime concern. The guides are well trained in wilderness first
aid techniques, and are very experienced in the environment. Ultimately
your guide makes decisions with your comfort and safety in mind,
yet tries to maximize the experience of the adventure for each
individual. We stress that listening carefully to instructions
and directions given by the guide is your ultimate responsibility
and in the best interest of yourself and the group.
Please Note: Due to the early meeting time on
the first day, you must arrive in Prince Rupert prior to Day 1
of your expedition.
Itinerary
Day 1 L / D
The trip begins in the coastal community of Prince Rupert. An
early morning float plane flight from the Seal Cove float plane
dock takes us to the ‘Ocean Light II’ and her crew
who await us at the head of the Khutzeymateen Inlet.
Days 2 and 3 B / L / D
The daily itinerary will remain flexible so that we can maximize
bear viewing opportunities. We will spend the majority of the
day ashore. Depending on the tides, our time ashore will find
us in some area of the estuary viewing what could be any number
of animals including black and grizzly bears, seals, geese, ducks,
and herons. At dusk, after the evening’s activities, you
will return to the boat to enjoy a hot drink and dinner while
reflecting on the day’s events.
Day 4 B
The float plane will arrive after breakfast for your return trip
to Prince Rupert. We have scheduled this early morning flight
so that participants are able to catch the mid-afternoon flight
to Vancouver, however, please be aware that there is a slight
possibility that you arrival time into Prince Rupert may be delayed
due to adverse weather conditions.
What’s Included?
The services of a fully qualified skipper, guide and crew
Air charter from Prince Rupert to the Khutzeymateen Valley return
All meals as listed on the itinerary (B=Breakfast; L= Lunch; D=
Dinner)
What’s Not Included?
Transportation between your home and Prince Rupert
Any meals and accommodation in Prince Rupert
Personal belongings and equipment as per list supplied
Any extra expenses incurred because of weather and logistical
delays or delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft
Tell Me More!
Q: How do you get to Prince Rupert?
A: Either by Air or by driving
By Air: Air Canada (www.aircanada.ca) or Hawk Air (www.hawkair.net)
to Prince Rupert. All baggage will be weighed prior to the float
plane flight, and the maximum weight for personal baggage and
gear is 30 lbs. (13 kg ) per person excluding camera gear.
Please Note: The airport is situated on an island off of Prince
Rupert. To get to the mainland, there is bus service available
that will transport you via ferry to the town of Prince Rupert
and take you to the main airport office at the shopping mall.
The bus service is complimentary and the ferry fee is approximately
$10 each way.
By Car: From Vancouver, take Hwy 1 to Cache Creek, turn off to
Hwy 9 to Prince George, take Hwy 16 from Prince George to Prince
Rupert. The driving time is approx. 20 hours.
Q: What About the Weather?
A: Weather along the coast in the spring can be variable. The
heavy rains and fog, which are responsible for the large stands
of spruce and cedar, fall primarily during winter months. One
should expect the variety of weather that creates the many moods
for which this area is noted. Air temperatures in May range from
10° to 22° C (50°-70°), although the sea breeze
can have a cooling effect. Evenings are mild, but can be cool
and wet. Be prepared for rain and overcast skies, however, the
weather can also be warm at this time of year.
Prices and Dates
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